Plan commission recommends data center moratorium

The DeKalb County Plan Commission has favorably recommended a six-month moratorium on data center development and accessory facilities to the DeKalb County Commissioners. The vote occurred during Wednesday's meeting in Auburn. The moratorium aims to provide the plan commission and county commissioners with time to gather crucial information regarding planning, zoning, site development, and potential environmental concerns related to data centers. This period will also allow for public input from DeKalb County residents before a comprehensive data center ordinance is drafted. DeKalb County Zoning Administrator Chris Gaumer confirmed that the county commissioners, who have previously discussed this issue with the ordinance review committee, are scheduled to consider the recommendation at their April 13 meeting. Plan commission attorney Andrew Kruse emphasized that a moratorium is essential to prevent data centers from applying for permits and becoming "grandfathered in" under existing, less specific regulations while a new ordinance is being developed. He stated that without a moratorium, the county would lack the means to impose "specific safety or community safety regulation" on incoming data centers. During the discussion, plan commission member and commissioner Kellen Dooley questioned whether six months would be sufficient, noting the possibility of extending the moratorium if needed. Dooley, along with Gaumer, stated that they had not yet been approached by any data center developers, but recognized that other counties across the state were receiving inquiries. Dooley stressed the importance of having regulations in place proactively, drawing parallels to past issues with solar developments where ordinances were created reactively. Auburn resident Jessica Harty and DeKalb County resident Chuck Knox expressed gratitude for the proactive approach, with Knox highlighting the significance of considering data center size.